Installing server updates

Keeping your server updated is one of the most critical steps in maintaining security and stability. Updates patch vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and improve performance. On unmanaged servers, you are responsible for applying updates manually.

Why Updates Matter

• Protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities (e.g., OpenSSL’s Heartbleed bug).

• Ensure compatibility with modern applications.

• Improve system performance and reliability.

• Reduce risk of data breaches and downtime.

Updating Linux Servers

Ubuntu/Debian

1. Update package lists:

   Bash
   
   sudo apt update
   

    

2. Upgrade installed packages:

   Bash
   
   sudo apt upgrade
   

    

3. Apply full distribution upgrades:

   Bash
   
   sudo apt dist-upgrade
   

    

4. Reboot if kernel updates were applied:

   Bash
   
   sudo reboot
   

CentOS/RHEL

1. Update all packages:

   Bash
   
   sudo yum update
   

   or (on newer versions):

   Bash
   
   sudo dnf update
   

    

2. Reboot if kernel updates were applied:

   Bash
   
   sudo reboot
   

    

Updating Windows Servers

1. Log in to the server via Remote Desktop.

2. Open Windows Update from the Control Panel or Settings.

3. Check for updates and install all critical patches.

4. Reboot the server to apply changes.